A Woman Eats in the Canteen of the Soviet-era Sanatorium Crowned Overall Winner at the World Food Photography Awards

The World Food Photography Awards, sponsored by Bimi®, has announced its prestigious Overall Winner for 2026, bestowing the top honor upon British photographer Jo Kearney for her deeply evocative image, "A Woman Eats in the Canteen of the Soviet-era Sanatorium." The winning photograph, which also secured the Fortnum & Mason Food at the Table category, captures a poignant moment of solitary sustenance within a fading echo of Soviet-era wellness culture. This year’s competition saw a record-breaking nearly 9,000 entries from over 50 countries, highlighting the global significance and diverse narratives within food photography.

Kearney’s winning photograph transports viewers to the Khoja Obi Garm sanatorium, a colossal concrete complex nestled in the mountainous terrain of Tajikistan. This unique institution, built upon naturally radon-rich hot springs, stands as one of the few remaining sanatoria of its kind still in operation, continuing a tradition of restorative treatments that include thermal bathing and steam therapy. The image itself depicts an elderly woman, her face etched with the wisdom of years, pouring tea in the sanatorium’s canteen. The scene is understated yet rich with detail: a simple breakfast of bread and fruit adorns her table, a visual echo of a still-life painting on the wall behind her. Large windows reveal a rugged, rocky landscape, contrasting with the warmth of the sunlit interior and the rich crimson of the dining chairs, which lend an unexpected touch of regality to the humble setting.

Caroline Kenyon, Founder of the World Food Photography Awards, articulated the profound impact of Kearney’s work. "There is so much to see and so much to feel in this image," Kenyon stated. "An old woman pours herself tea – but it’s so much more than just that. The expression on her crevassed face is beautiful; it moved me to tears. She is alone, her simple breakfast on the table before her echoes the fruit in the painting on the wall behind. Against the parched colours of the scene through the window, the rich crimson chairs give a regal quality to the setting, and though humbly dressed, her dignified bearing is queenly too. She has seen much in life, we are sure, but holds her head high."

The Khoja Obi Garm sanatorium offers a comprehensive wellness experience, with board, lodging, and treatments available for approximately £33 per day, a price point that contributes to its enduring popularity among both locals and international visitors seeking its therapeutic benefits. The meals served are carefully curated to align with the sanatorium’s restorative ethos, featuring nourishing options such as soups, fruits, tea, and traditional Tajik dishes. Kearney’s photograph masterfully captures the essence of this experience, blending the austerity of its Soviet past with the enduring human need for nourishment and moments of quiet reflection.

The awards ceremony, held at the Mall Galleries in London on June 2nd, was a notable event for the culinary and artistic communities. Renowned chef and food writer Gennaro Contaldo presented the awards across the competition’s 27 categories, celebrating a broad spectrum of photographic talent.

Dave Samuels, Brand Director of Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini, the headline sponsor, emphasized the awards’ crucial role in storytelling. "These Awards highlight the power of photography to tell food stories from around the world," Samuels remarked. "The remarkable images remind us of the essential role food plays in communities across the globe – through growing, harvesting, cooking, eating, celebrating and surviving. Whatever changes the world goes through, food remains central to our lives."

The World Food Photography Awards, now in its [insert number, e.g., fifth] year, has grown into a significant platform for showcasing the artistry and cultural importance of food imagery. Established to celebrate and elevate the craft of food photography, the awards attract a global pool of talent, from emerging student photographers to seasoned professionals. The competition aims to not only recognize technical skill but also the ability of photographers to convey narrative, emotion, and cultural context through their lenses. The continued sponsorship by Bimi® underscores the growing connection between healthy, sustainable food practices and compelling visual representation.

A Spectrum of Culinary Narratives: Category Winners Unveiled

Beyond the overall triumph, the World Food Photography Awards celebrated excellence across a diverse array of categories, each highlighting a unique facet of the global food landscape:

• Cream of the Crop: Albert Gonzalez captured the essence of the sea with his image of squid drying in the sun in the fishing village of Ine, Kyoto, Japan. This category celebrates the fundamental elements of food production and the connection to the land and sea.
• Food Influencer: Maja Lewicz’s striking photograph of noodles secured this category, recognizing the modern influence of digital media and visual trends in food presentation.
• Champagne Taittinger Wedding Food Photographer: Emma Stoner’s charming image of twin bridesmaids enjoying canapés at a UK wedding captured the celebratory and joyous aspects of food in social gatherings.
• Bring Home the Harvest: Marco Rutten’s evocative shot of Bengali fishermen at work at sunrise on the Hooghly River showcased the dedication and daily reality of those who bring food from its source to our tables.
• Cake Award: Claudia Anton’s "A Mid-Century Man and his Cake" offered a nostalgic glimpse into personal celebrations and the role of confectionery in marking milestones.
• Champagne Taittinger Food for Celebration: Pingyao Song’s vibrant image of a gourmet food festival in China illuminated the communal and festive nature of food experiences.
• Food in the Field: Serkan Dogus’s "Dusty Journey," depicting a shepherd with his flock, underscored the pastoral traditions that remain vital to food systems.
• Hotel Art Group Food Stylist Award: Sarah Ghijselinck’s work was recognized for its artistry in styling, with two winning images: "Stacked Morning," a meticulously arranged sandwich, and "Raw Pairing No.1," a creative composition of ingredients for a wine pairing, highlighting the meticulous craft of food presentation.
• The James Beard Foundation Photography Award: Daniel D Kwak’s portrait of a worker at Hadja Marley, an authentic Senegalese eatery in Brooklyn, celebrated the human element and daily rhythm within food businesses.
• Louis Jadot Wine Photographer of the Year: This prestigious award was split into three, recognizing different aspects of winemaking. Luke Carver won for Produce with "In the Eye of the Kvevri," a black and white image from the Georgian grape harvest. Chris Elfes took the Places award for "The Hidden Vineyard," an aerial view of a vineyard at sunrise. Juan Miguel Ortuño Martinez was crowned the overall Wine Photographer of the Year for his striking image "In the Depths of the Deposit," capturing a wine tank cleaner in Spain.
• On the Phone in Support of Action Against Hunger: Maggie Jary’s image of four friends enjoying a day out in England highlighted the social and personal connections fostered through shared food experiences.
• Production Paradise Previously Published: Erik Lafontaine’s image of "Poached mackerel in broth" demonstrated the enduring appeal of classic culinary techniques.
• unearthed® Food for Sale: Kazi Mohammad Golam Quddus’s capture of a bustling cabbage market in Mahasthangarh, Bangladesh, vividly portrayed the commerce and vitality of local food markets.
• M&S Food Rising Star: Sarah-Vanessa Schneider’s "Dipping Bread into Stew" showcased emerging talent and intimate moments of food consumption.
• Politics of Food: Glenn Vanderbeke’s portrait of a female miller at a Vocational Training Center in Irebero, where single women are trained as millers, shed light on the gender dynamics and empowerment within food production.
• Food for the Family supported by The Felix Project: Michela Balboni and Federico Borella’s image "The Final Touch" captured a tender moment of a young boy reaching for freshly baked bread from a family tandoor in Uzbekistan.
• World of Drinks: Marie-Louise Moutafchieva’s "Campari Barmen, Milan" provided a stylish glimpse into the world of mixology and bar culture.
• Food Portraiture: Danielle Marie Schriever’s "Jelly with a Cherry" presented a classic dessert with artistic flair.
• Claire Aho Award for Women Photographers: Kellie Carter’s "Granny’s Welcoming Gift of Love" celebrated domestic traditions and hospitality.
• The Bimi® Prize: Anne Mason-Hoerter’s "Candied Pear" offered a visually stunning and artful depiction of a simple fruit.
• Street Food: Kara Baird’s image of a Kyoto street vendor captured the vibrant energy and culinary diversity of urban street food scenes.
• MPB Award for Innovation: Hussam Sleiby’s "Family Portrait," featuring eggplants arranged creatively, demonstrated a novel approach to still life.
• World Food Programme Food for Life: Mithail Afrige Chowdhury’s photograph of an open-air restaurant in Dhaka, Bangladesh, serving low-price food to daily laborers, powerfully illustrated food’s role in supporting vulnerable communities.
• The Philip Harben Award for Food in Action: Balazs Lehoczki’s "Proven Recipe" depicted a heartwarming scene of an elderly couple engaged in baking, emphasizing the continuation of culinary heritage.
• RPS Student Food Photographer of the Year: Lara Zeh’s "Red Cocktail" showcased the talent of emerging photographers in capturing the appeal of beverages.
• UK for UNHCR Food as Home: Sadia Sikandar’s image "A Moment in the Kitchen" beautifully conveyed the sense of belonging and comfort that food can provide, particularly in contexts of displacement.

A Global Showcase and Future Outlook

The World Food Photography Awards serves as a vital annual chronicle of how food intersects with culture, economics, and human experience worldwide. The exhibition of finalist images at the Mall Galleries in London, running from June 3rd to June 7th, offers the public an opportunity to engage with these compelling visual narratives. A curated selection will also be displayed at Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly, bringing the artistry to a broader audience.

For those inspired by the showcased talent, entries for the 2027 edition of the competition will open in September, providing another opportunity for photographers to contribute their unique perspectives on the world of food. The continued growth and international reach of the World Food Photography Awards underscore the enduring power of visual storytelling in fostering understanding and appreciation for the diverse culinary tapestry of our planet. The awards not only celebrate photographic excellence but also highlight the fundamental importance of food in shaping our lives, our communities, and our shared global identity.